GOVERNMENT REVIEWING COURT OF APPEAL ADVICE ON SAME-SEX MARRIAGES

Justice Minister Don Morgan today thanked the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal for its advice on the question of same-sex marriages performed by marriage commissioners. The government will take some time to review the decision and decide how to proceed.

"This is a very thorough review by five judges, rather than the usual three," Morgan said. "They examined the issue in depth and that is reflected in the detail of their advice. I also note the respect the Court showed for all the views expressed at the hearing last May. I also want to thank all intervenors for their participation and the lawyers appointed to argue the case for their excellent work."

The Court stated that both draft legislative options put forward for review by the government would violate the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

"We will consider the Court's advice," Morgan said. "Given the thoroughness of the analysis, I am not recommending that the government appeal."

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For more information, contact:

Andrew Dinsmore
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-9619
Email: andrew.dinsmore@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-529-9207